GREENE COUNTY, Ark. — A multi-county pursuit ended Tuesday afternoon with the arrest of a Kennett man wanted on multiple felony warrants.
The chase began around 12:55 p.m. on Jan. 7 when a Dunklin County deputy attempted a traffic stop on a white Jeep Compass SUV driven by 50-year-old Joel Hancock. Instead of stopping, Hancock fled the scene, speeding into Arkansas via State Highway 84.
According to the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock was wanted for several felony warrants, including felony fleeing.
Pursuit Through Greene County
At 1:06 p.m., Paragould Emergency Services was alerted that Hancock had crossed into Greene County from the Clay County line, traveling on State Highway 139 near Mounds. The chase continued toward Paragould, where Dunklin County deputies eventually terminated their pursuit.
Hancock’s vehicle was later spotted near Glen Sain Ford on State Highway 49, prompting Paragould police officers to take over the chase.
The pursuit ended when Hancock was stopped and arrested near State Highway 49 South and the Highway 412 Bypass.
School Safety Measures
During the chase, Greene County Tech High School briefly adjusted class changes as a precautionary measure. School resource officers closely monitored the situation, and classes resumed after it was confirmed that Hancock had been arrested before reaching the high school area. Authorities confirmed that no students or staff were in danger during the incident.
Pending Charges
Hancock is currently being held at the Greene County Detention Center while awaiting extradition to Dunklin County. In Arkansas, he faces charges of firearm possession, theft, and multiple traffic citations.
A Collaborative Effort
The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude to the various agencies involved in the pursuit and apprehension of Hancock. Those agencies include:
- Kennett Police Department
- Greene County Sheriff’s Office
- Paragould Police Department
- Clay County Sheriff’s Office
- Marmaduke Police Department
- Arkansas State Police
Thanks to the cooperative efforts of these law enforcement agencies, the chase ended without injuries or harm to the public.
